Family Things To Do In Chicago At Night

Chicago is an iconic city, known for its bustling downtown and vibrant nightlife. It boasts a rich history, with a unique blend of cultures from all over the world. From the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago to the stunning views of the city skyline from Navy Pier, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Windy City.

At night, Chicago lights up, and visitors can find a wide range of activities for families to explore. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling night out or a more relaxed evening, there are plenty of family-friendly options in Chicago. Here are some of the best things to do in Chicago at night for families.

Museums

Chicago is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums, and they’re all open at night. The Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium all offer extended hours until late into the night. These museums offer a range of activities and exhibitions for all ages, making them great places for families to explore together.

The Field Museum, located in Grant Park, is one of the most popular museums in Chicago. It has a wide variety of exhibits from all around the world, including the Ancient Egypt exhibit, which features mummies and artifacts from ancient Egypt.

The Shedd Aquarium is another popular museum, located on the lakefront. It has a wide variety of aquatic life, including dolphins, sharks, and stingrays. Visitors can explore the exhibits and watch live shows featuring dolphins and sea lions. The Adler Planetarium is one of the oldest planetariums in the world, and offers an immersive experience with its sky shows and interactive exhibits.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular destination for families, offering an array of activities and attractions. From its iconic Ferris wheel to its sprawling boardwalk, there’s plenty to do here. At night, visitors can enjoy a variety of shows, ranging from family-friendly comedy acts to live music and theater performances. Navy Pier also has an array of shops and restaurants for families to explore.

There are also several rides at Navy Pier that stay open until late into the night. The Ferris wheel is one of the most popular attractions, offering stunning views of the city skyline. The pier also has an array of other rides, such as carousels and bumper cars, for visitors to enjoy.

The Loop

The Loop is Chicago’s downtown district, and it’s filled with things to do for families at night. There’s plenty of shopping along State Street and Michigan Avenue, as well as numerous theaters and live music venues. Families can also explore the area’s many restaurants and bars, or take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk.

The Loop is also home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, better known as “The Bean”. This sculpture is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago, and it’s a great spot to take photos and admire the city skyline at night.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and it remains one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. It offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy at night, including live animal shows and interactive exhibits. The zoo is open until 9pm in the summer months, making it a great place for families to explore after dark.

The zoo also offers a range of educational programs for children and adults alike. These programs include guided tours of the zoo’s exhibits, as well as special events such as movie nights and art classes.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations for families. This sprawling park offers an array of activities for visitors of all ages, including outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and an array of interactive sculptures.

At night, Millennium Park is illuminated by colorful lights that make it a truly magical place to explore. Families can also enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or take a stroll along the park’s scenic bike paths.

Skydeck Chicago

Skydeck Chicago is one of the city’s most popular attractions for families at night. This observation deck offers stunning views of the city skyline from 1,353 feet above the ground. Visitors can also take part in interactive activities such as virtual reality experiences or even have their photo taken on the edge of the building’s glass ledge.

Skydeck Chicago also offers special nighttime experiences for families, including stargazing experiences and nighttime tours of the city skyline. These tours offer an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to explore the city from new perspectives.

Popular Tours

Chicago is full of opportunities for families to explore and experience new things together. There are several popular tours available that offer unique insights into the city’s history and culture.

Architecture River Cruise

A popular tour in Chicago is an architecture river cruise on the Chicago River. This tour takes visitors on a journey back in time as they learn about the city’s history through its iconic buildings and bridges. The tour offers stunning views of some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, including Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, and Marina City Towers. It also passes through some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Little Italy. Architecture River Cruise tours typically last around two hours and offer visitors a unique perspective on some of Chicago’s most beloved landmarks.

Food Tour

Another popular tour in Chicago is a food tour through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. This tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the culinary history of Chicago as they sample local delicacies from some of the city’s best restaurants and food trucks. Visitors can try classic dishes such as deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs with all the fixings. They can also experience some unique flavors from other cultures such as Mexican street tacos and Middle Eastern shawarma. Food Tour guides provide insight into each dish as they take visitors on a culinary journey through some of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Ghost Tour

For those looking for a more thrilling experience in Chicago at night, a ghost tour is just what they need! These tours take visitors on a journey back in time as they explore some of Chicago’s most haunted locations and hear stories about its spooky past. Visitors can experience some of the city’s most notorious hauntings firsthand as they explore underground tunnels, abandoned buildings, and eerie cemeteries. Ghost Tour guides provide insight into each location as they tell stories about Chicago’s spooky past that will leave visitors with chills up their spine!

Chicago at night is full of opportunities for families to explore together and create lasting memories that will last a lifetime! From iconic museums to thrilling ghost tours, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago at night for families to enjoy!